About Me
Zosimus (named after the Pope Zosimus) is a rock band that blends alternative rock (Nirvana, Sonic Youth) with 70s progressive rock (King Crimson, Rush, Can) and jazz improvisation, creating a unique sound that is still accessible by mainstream listeners. Cliff Samuel-Hine, the lead singer/guitarist, is a level 4 Jazz Instrumentalist at NOCCA, who has played with the Tipitinas Intern Band. His playing style mixes his jazz training with the jagged guitar tones in the style of Robert Fripp. His singing influences include David Bowie, David Byrne, and Thurston Moore. Max Moran, the bassist, is also a level 4 Jazz Instrumentalist at NOCCA, who has played with the Tipitinas Intern Band, Donald Harrison, and Alvin Batiste. An up and coming jazz bassist, he uses his improvisational chops to create basslines with quick and responsive dynamics, his influences including Carlos D and Juan Alderete. Jordan Arey is a drummer/percussionist who has played with many bands in the New Orleans underground scene including Eves Lucky Planet Band, Something Delicious, Forever Flood, John Marcey, and Walley Amos. His background comes from reggae and jam-band music, creating solid, funky lines that blend well into odd time signatures, his influences including Stanton Moore, Bud Gaugh, and Billy Martin. Zosimus's newest member is the multi-instrumentalist Julian Labatt, a level 3 Jazz Instrumentalist at NOCCA (he attends for piano, but also demonstrates ample skill on guitar, bass, drums, and clarinet) who also plays with The Black Notes. Equally versed in jazz and art/noise rock, he is responsible for the ambient, strange noises underneath the music, when he isnt laying down beautiful chords. His influences include Sun Ra and Joy Division. Zosimus's new newest member is a drummer that goes by the name of Joe Dyson. He's a level 4 Jazz Instrumentalist who's played with way too many cats for me to think of off the top of my head, but it's quite the large list.
